A visit to Oahu isn’t complete without experiencing one of the island’s most iconic cultural traditions: the hula dance. Watching a hula show is an absolute must-do for families, offering a chance to witness the grace and storytelling of this ancient Hawaiian art form. The best part? There are several places around Oahu where you can enjoy a free hula performance.
Ala Moana Center
- Location: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Show Times: Daily, 5:30 pm
Ala Moana Center, Oahu’s largest shopping mall, isn’t just a paradise for shoppers—it’s also a great spot to catch a free hula show. Every afternoon, visitors can enjoy the beautiful performances of traditional hula dancers at Centerstage.
These shows are family-friendly, often featuring multiple generations of performers, so it’s a perfect way to introduce your kids to the cultural significance of hula. The vibrant costumes, graceful movements, and live music will captivate children and adults alike. While you’re there, you can also enjoy some shopping or grab a bite to eat at one of the mall’s many eateries.
Kilohana Hula Show
- Location: Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Show Times: Every Monday to Wednesday, 9:30am
For families visiting Oahu, the Kilohana Hula Show offers an exciting and free way to experience Hawaiian culture in the heart of Waikiki. Inspired by the legendary Kodak Hula Show, which ran for 65 years before it ended in 2002, the Kilohana Hula Show brings the beauty and history of hula back to Waikiki in a modern reimagining.
Normally held at the Waikiki Shell, the Kilohana Hula Show has temporarily moved to Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound until the Waikiki Shell’s renovations are completed. While this is a temporary relocation, the show remains just as captivating and authentic, now taking place on the iconic hula mound, a sacred site for hula performances. This free performance features a talented cast, including dancers from award-winning halau (hula schools) such as the Merrie Monarch Festival winners, along with live musicians, chanters, and a charismatic emcee.
The Kilohana Hula Show offers an incredible opportunity to connect with the history of hula and Hawaiian music. The program includes traditional songs, dances, and chants, as well as performances from kupuna (elders), sharing their knowledge and aloha. It’s a heartfelt and educational experience perfect for families.
International Market Place
- Location: 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Show Times: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6:30pm (March-August) and 6:00pm (September-February)
For another unforgettable hula experience, head over to the International Market Place, where you can enjoy the O Nā Lani Sunset Stories Hula Show. This free, family-friendly performance honors the rich history and cultural heritage of the International Market Place, blending Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dance in a breathtaking setting.
The performance begins with the ceremonial lighting of the Lamakū Torch Tower on Kalākaua Avenue, followed by the show at Level 1, Queen’s Court. The dancers share traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian songs and hula stories, making it a perfect way for families to learn about the cultural significance of these art forms.
Waikiki Beach Walk
- Location: 227 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Show Times: Every Tuesday, 4:30 pm
For another fantastic, free cultural experience, head to Waikiki Beach Walk for Kū Haʻaheo, a live Hawaiian music concert that brings together traditional hula and authentic Hawaiian sounds. This unique performance is perfect for families looking to enjoy both music and dance in a vibrant, open-air setting.
Kū Haʻaheo is a heartfelt show headlined by the award-winning musical duo, Blaine Kia & Kalei Kahalewai, also known as KAMANAWA. The performance is enhanced by Blaine Kia’s family and hula organization, Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie. Together, they share both traditional and classic hula dances, creating an immersive experience that honors Hawaiian culture. The performance is filled with beautiful hula movements, live music, and the spirit of Aloha, making it a wonderful event for families of all ages.
Royal Hawaiian Center
- Location: 2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Show Times: Every Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm
If you’re visiting Waikiki and looking to immerse your family in authentic Hawaiian music and hula, the Royal Hawaiian Center is the place to be. This vibrant shopping and cultural hub offers free live performances from Tuesday to Saturday, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Hawaiian arts.
These performances take place at The Royal Grove, an outdoor area surrounded by lush landscaping, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The shows are family-friendly and casual—just find a comfortable spot on the grass, and enjoy the music, dance, and cultural richness of Oahu.
Kūhiō Beach Hula Show
- Location: Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Show Times: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the Month and Every Saturday, 6:30pm
One of the best places to experience an authentic Hawaiian hula show is at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Show in Waikiki. This free, family-friendly event has been proudly showcasing traditional Hawaiian music and hula for over 30 years, with performances by some of Hawaii’s finest hula halau (dance troupes) and local performers.
The performance takes place at the iconic hula mound at Kūhiō Beach, which is the only authentic pa hula (hula mound) in Waikiki. The show opens with the powerful sound of the conch shell (pu kani), setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural experience.
The venue is located oceanside of Kalakaua Avenue, near the famous Duke Kahanamoku Statue and across from the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. There is plenty of grass seating where you can relax and enjoy the performance, but feel free to bring your beach chair or mat to make yourself comfortable. You can even watch from the beach for a more relaxed atmosphere.
This event is perfect for families, offering a casual, outdoor setting where you can enjoy the beauty of hula and Hawaiian music. Just be sure to check the schedule before heading out, as there are no shows if Kalakaua Avenue is closed for parades or street fairs.